The Piazzas, Museums and Fountains of Rome

14 June 202524 May 2025

Using my Omnia Roma Pass for the second day, I boarded the Hop On Hop Off bus to visit some of the highlights of the Roman neighborhoods. The Vatican Museum was not yet open, so I started touring the north end of Rome. I had a few hours before heading towards the Port of Civitavecchia for a seven day Mediterranean cruise.

A short walk from the Piazza del Popolo, I arrived at the Spanish Steps where I took a seat on a step to review my map. I found myself distracted by the people around me, but it was a great spot to check out the tourists in the piazza.

The Spanish Steps are popular with both locals and tourists alike. They were designed in the 17^th century to connect the Trinita dei Monti to the Piazza di Spagna below. Francesco de Sanctis was commissioned to design the steps that would one day become one of the most recognized landmarks in Rome. The platforms along the staircase provide great views of Via Condotti in the shopping district. The obelisk of red granite Sallustian stands 43 feet high in front of the church from one of these platforms as well. For a more spectacular view of Rome, tour books highly recommend a climb up the bell tower inside of the Trinita del Monti.

The ruins of Rome are a perfect outdoor museum in itself, but I have always wanted to view the art and archaeological items within the Vatican Museum. Displaying artifacts from over hundreds of years, the inventory was overwhelming and extraordinary. At minimum, I knew I was going to need at least a couple of hours to spend here.

The crowd was thick, pushing me from room to room until I reached the grand finale, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel!

After having spent about three hours at the Vatican Museum with my thoughts on the Sistine Chapel, I knew it was time for lunch. Since Rome is a maze of unique squares that have a personality of their own, I was looking forward to finding the Campo di Fiore. Translated as the “field of flowers”, this piazza is one of the most colorful squares of Rome and was once a meadow where merchants sold their products. Since the Medieval Period, the Campo di Fiori remains to this day a lively market and meeting place.

Several restaurants border the Campo di Fiori and offer several options for a light lunch. I ordered a glass of Prosecco and the Margarita pizza. I found myself daydreaming and was caught unaware when my meal arrived so quickly. I couldn’t wait to try a slice!

Throughout Rome are souvenir stalls which sell local maps, bus and train tickets, snacks, postcards and tourist information. In contrast to the ancient ruins, it is a modern day necessity.

Back on the bus, I am quickly transported back in time to the entrance of the Roman Forum. This area of Rome was at its peak during the Roman Republic when Julius Caesar was emperor. A set of stairs leads to the Arch of Titus, erected to commemorate the Roman victory over Judea in AD 66. The Forum is the core of the Roman Empire, where decisions were made, deals were struck and death was an everyday occurrence.

To the left of the Arch of Titus is the famous Arch of Constantine which leads into Palatine Hill. The Hill was Rome’s first settlement and was the home of Rome’s founders Romulus and Remus.

The arch’s portico tells the story of Constantine’s Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. Constantine claimed that he had a vision from God which led to his victory. He swore to legalize Christianity and give his support to Christians.

Another important site in Rome is the Flavian Amphitheater, more commonly known as the Colosseum. After the brutal reign of Nero, it was Vespasian who commissioned the amphitheater as a gift to the Romans. This massive structure could hold up to 55,000 spectators and was built with 80 entrances to allow attendees to find their seats in a record time of 15 minutes.

With only a couple of hours before hailing a taxi to the port, I strolled over towards the Roman Forum for a closer view of the Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius. The three arches are all that remain of the largest building on display in the Forum. The basilica was the central location where the government’s legal and administrative duties were performed.

One final ride on the bus and I have arrived at the Trevi Fountain before taking the subway back to the hotel. This fountain is Rome’s largest and most famous. I took my first glimpse of Neptune rising out of the water with two Tritons and their sea horses and I could not look away. The sculpture is larger than life and the intricate detail and scale of this monolith is nothing less than awesome. I completed my day in Rome by throwing a coin in the fountain, and if the tradition is true, I will one day return to this magnificent place!

Have you ever visited a place that was so exciting but you just couldn’t find the time to see all of the sites? Let me know in the comments section below about your experience and how you handled it! I would also love to hear about your adventures in Rome, any recommendations or suggestions for my next visit! Many thanks for reading about my weekend in Rome and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Trinita dei Monti
Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 3, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 679 4179

Admission Fee: There is no fee to enter the church, but a small offering is suggested.
Hours: The church is open from 10AM to 8PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; open from noon to 8PM on Wednesday and from 9AM to 8PM on Saturday.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are provided on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5PM. Reservation is required and there is a fee associated with the tour: Adults are 12 Euro, Students and Children ages 12 – 18 are 6 Euros and Children under the age of 11 are free of charge.
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the plaza and the Via Condotti from the top of the steps leading up to the church.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: There are several steps (the Spanish Steps lead up to the church, so wear comfortable shoes. Dress appropriately covering your shoulders and knees as you may be denied entrance if not covered up. A small offering may be requested so be prepared.

Vatican Museum
00120 Vatican City
Telephone: +390669881022

Admission Fee: 17 Euros to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel independently. For additional types of tours, visit the website directly.
Hours: The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9AM to 6PM (final entry at 4PM); Every last Sunday of the month, the museum is open from 9AM to 2PM.
Guided Tours: A long list of guided tours are available and can be researched on the website listed above.
Scenic View: Beautiful views of Rome from the various balconies; amazing artifacts and ancient relics as well as artwork in the Sistine Chapel.
Length of Visit: 5 – 6 hours
Tips for Your Visit: If visiting the museum independently, purchase your tickets in advance. Be aware that the museum is very crowded when the cruise ships are in port.

Roman Forum
Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone; +39 06 0608

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum.
Bus/Train Information: Buses 40, 44, 84, 780 and 810; Metro Station – Colosseo, line B- (blue)
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Roman Forum’s website: https://turisimoroma.it/cosa-fare/fori
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge)
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total
Tips for Your Visit: Your ticket to the Roman Forum includes The Colosseum and Palatine Hill. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but may be screened by metal detectors. Bags may also be opened and visually inspected by security. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains.

Colosseum/Flavian Amphitheater
Piazza del Colosseo, 1
00184 Roma RM, Italy

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Additional fee for a guided tour of the underground. All guests are FREE the first Sunday of the month.
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Colosseum’s website: www.the-colosseum.net/around/visit.htm
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge), bookstore
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total (another hour for the underground tour)
Tips for Your Visit: The Colosseum is the most visited attraction in Rome. While the ticket line may be long, you may want to consider purchasing your ticket at the Palatine Hill as your ticket also includes entrance into the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, located next door. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but must be screened by metal detectors. Bags will be opened and visually inspected by security. Due to new security measures it is necessary to arrive at least 30 minutes before collecting your reservation at the ticket counter. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle where you can fill it with water.

Palatine Hill
Via di San Gregorio, 30
00184, Roma, RM, Italy

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Colosseum’s website: https://www.romaexperience.com/palatine-hill/
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge), bookstore
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total
Tips for Your Visit: The Colosseum is the most visited attraction in Rome. Your ticket also includes entrance into the Palatine Hill, located next door. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but must be screened by metal detectors. Bags will be opened and visually inspected by security. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains and think about bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.

Hop On/Hop Off Bus

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Rome Central Park
Via Giuseppe Mosacti 7
Rome 01168 Italy
Telephone: +39 06 355741

Where to Eat:

Antico Caffe del Teatro di Marcelo
Via del Teatro de Marcelo, 42 00186
Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 678 5451

I ordered a margarita panini and it was fabulous! Check out their facebook page!

What to Eat:

Artichokes: steamed or fried
Cacio e Pepe: Cacio is a type of cheese from Rome’s countryside made from sheep’s milk. The dish is served over pasta and seasoned by black pepper.
Carbonara: creamy white pasta served with pancetta and noodles
Gelato: You have not had gelato until you have had it in Rome!
Maritozzi is a popular breakfast pastry with chocolate chips served with espresso. Some maritozzi are filled with cream as well.
Pecorino Romano cheese
Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s answer to pizza with red sauce, meats, vegetables and cheeses. I also love the Italian margarita pizza with red sauce, mozzarella cheese and topped with basil.
Porcetta: Pork wrapped around herbs and roasted on a spit
Saltimbocca is a dish made with veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, cooked in white wine and butter.
Suppli is considered an Italian snack made of rice and meat with tomato sauce and filled with mozzarella cheese and then deep-fried. It reminds me of arancini in the US.

Where to Drink:

Il Goccetto (for wine)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
00186, Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 9944 8583

Terrazza Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30A
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6821 5459

While the drinks are pricey, it will be worth the cost for the fabulous views.

What to Read:

Imperium, by Robert Harris
Roma, by Steven Saylor
SPQR, by Mary Beard
The Twelve Caesars, by Robert Grave

Photo Guide for Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori for photos of the market
The Colosseum
Monti for upscale boutiques, restaurants and vintage stores
The Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo in northern Rome
The top of St. Peter’s Basilica
Trastevere neighborhood for scenic alleyways, artisan workshops, the piazza at sunset, and tiny boutiques. Find the corner of Vicolo delle Torro off of Via della Lungaretta for photo-worthy pics.
Trevi Fountain

An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

19 February 201631 August 2024

During a fall trip to the Mediterranean, I was looking forward to visiting the Tuscany region of Italy. I had booked a seven-day cruise on the Pullmantur Sovereign and decided to experience the rolling hills of vineyards on an excursion sponsored by the ship. The opportunity to sample the Italian wines outside of Florence was an unforgettable experience and from that point forward, I became fascinated by the wines of Italy from Chianti to Sangiovese.

The day was absolutely beautiful for a morning in Pisa then a short bus ride to the Tuscan region of Lucca. Famous for its wine and spectacular countryside, vineyards of Semillon and Pinot Bianco grapes surrounded us as the bus arrived at Fattoria il Poggio.

Fattoria means “farm” in Italian and the il Poggio is what the Italians refer to as an agritourismo, otherwise known as a farm stay. Farm stays are perfect for guests who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture based in an agricultural setting. In most cases, the restaurants at a fattoria will incorporate the “farm to table” concept using its own fresh produce and meats.

With voracious appetites, we were eager to sample the local wines as well as the olive oil produced by the farm. This beautiful eco-tourismo exports seven red and white wines as well as a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

We arrived to elegantly prepared tables draped in white linen tablecloths where empty wine glasses patiently waited to be filled. Our host welcomed us to Fattoria il Poggio as servers filled our tables with copious bottles of wine and antipasti. I could not wait to indulge in the estate wines, snack on locally prepared meats and cheeses and enjoy some of the finest ingredients organically grown at the farm.

The hospitality at Fattoria il Poggio was exceptional, the scenery mesmerizing and the food was more than outstanding. Enjoying the generous portions set before us, we learned so much about the daily farm activities as well as how their products are made.

The wine pours were flowing and there were plenty of meats, cheeses, bread and olives. Served family style, I can assure you that no one left hungry and not a drop of wine was left in the bottles. What an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

We were offered six wines to sample as well as the wide range of items produced at the farm. Fattoria Il Poggio has been making high quality wines since 1845 as well as growing fruits and medicinal herbs. These items were available for purchase at the gift shop where other wine related souvenir items were sold as well.

A day in Tuscany is certainly not enough time to visit the region of remarkable wines which has made such an impact on the country’s culture. With seven World Heritage Sites and endless charming villages, this area is one of the most visited in Italy.

Should guests decide to book a stay at Fattoria il Poggio, luxury accommodations include such amenities as WiFi, satellite TV, floor heating, a private spa and a rooftop pool. Additional services include local tours, onsite events and cooking classes. The il Poggio is the ideal location for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and other monumental celebrations.

I absolutely love the idea of supporting local families and booking a stay at an agritourismo. With first class service, outstanding amenities and fabulous produce, Fattoria il Poggio is the perfect farm stay for a future visit to Tuscany.

Are you a wine lover? Have you visited a winery that you absolutely loved? Or do you have the experience of staying at an agritourismo? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. And if you have visited Lucca and can recommend other wineries, I would love to hear about your favorites as well. Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting in Lucca and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 22088

Where to Stay:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 22088

Where to Eat:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: 39 0583 22088

Fattoria il Poggio’s Menu

During our wine tasting, we sampled various delicious Antipasti dishes.

What to Eat:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.

What to Read:

A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany, by Beth Elon
A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo

Photo Guide for Tuscany:

Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:

Florence:
- Canonici Palace
- Florence Baptistry
- Florence Cathedral
- Florence Skyline: view from Palazzo Vecchio
- Il Duomo
- Marcampo
- Michelangelo’s David statue
- Montalcino Street
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Perano Castle
- Piazalle Michelangelo
- Piaza del Duomo
- Pienza
- Ponte Vecchio
- The Streets of Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Volpaia
Pisa
- The Leaning Tower
- Marina
Tuscany
- Abbazia San Galgano
- Abbey of Sant’Antimo
- Agritourismos
- Basilica di Santa Magherita
- Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
- Carrara Marble Quarry
- Castel Boccale
- Chianti
- Cortona
- Crete Senesi
- Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
- Monte Divalli
- Montepulciano
- Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
- Palazzo Pitti
- Pitigliano
- Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
- Poggio Covilli d’Asso
- San Gimignano
- San Giovanni
- Seminario Maggiore
- Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
- Terranuova Bracciolini
- Tuscan Tunnel
- Volterra
Wineries
- Avignonisi
- Barone Ricasoli
- Capezanna
- Castello Banfi
- Castello di Ama
- Castiglion del Bosco
- Poggio al Casone
- Poggio Antico

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Cruising the Pullmantur Sovereign- COMPANY CLOSED

9 February 201616 March 2025

UPDATE: During the COVID Pandemic, Pullmantur announced liquidation of the company. As of November 2020, the company stated that it would be up and running again by the end of 2021.

Having come off of a whirlwind two-day visit to Rome, I boarded the Pullmantur Sovereign for a seven day cruise through the Mediterranean. The spectacular itinerary included some of the most beautiful sites the Med coast has to offer. With a full week of excursions, I could just sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise.

Pullmantur is a cruise line based out of Spain and is very popular with the Europeans. The primary language on board is Spanish, but announcements are followed up in English. This piqued my interest along with the fact that alcoholic beverages are included in the price of the cruise. I had learned about the company while searching for a cruise on the Vacations to Go website and booked it immediately.

So why did I choose Pullmantur? First there was the itinerary of course, but having checked the cost of cruises in the Mediterranean, I found this to be quite economical at US $349 for 7 days (not including port fees and taxes). AMAZING! In addition, the price for my roundtrip ticket to Rome was only $850 so I could not pass up the opportunity and knew that I was going to have the time of my life.

Travel Tip: I took this cruise in late September, which is considered off-season. The weather is still quite warm and the children have all gone back to school by this time.

My journey began in Rome where I had a couple of days to wander the ancient ruins, historical museums and religious places of worship. It was my first time in The Eternal City, so to be honest, I was slightly overwhelmed. I had booked the hop on, hop off bus because I knew it would be an economical way to explore the sites costing me only $50. The bus route listed a number of stops where the main attractions were within a couple of blocks. I was able to step off of the bus for an hour or two, return back to the drop off location and reboard at my convenience.

The day of my cruise had arrived and I had hired a car to take me to Civitivecchia, which lasted approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival at the port, I was pleasantly surprised that there were no long check-in lines. Within minutes, I had passed through security, boarded the ship and dropped off my luggage in my room. When I inquired how the process of embarkation could be completed so quickly, I learned that Barcelona was the originating port. Rome had less than 100 passengers boarding on that day and I was excited to start my adventure.

To learn more about my adventures in Rome, check out my following blog posts!

Visiting Rome – Day 1
My First Trip to Rome – Day 2
St. Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Square
The Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Capitoline Hill
From Piazza Popolo to the Spanish Steps

Next stop Livorno!

Livorno is a port town located in the northern region of Italy. It is the perfect location for day trips to Florence, Tuscany and the colorful villages along the coast like Portofino. There are several tours that operate from the ship and I selected the Pisa and Tuscan Wines tour. If I had the opportunity to cruise this ship again, I would definitely choose the Coast of Cinque Terre and Porvenere! There were so many great options! To hear about my exciting day in Pisa and Lucca, check out my following blog posts for some great information about these two spectacular locations!

Pisa and Its Leaning Tower
An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Additional excursions from the ship:

Florence and Pisa: This excursion includes a guided tour of the Renaissance city of Florence with stops that include the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, the Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazza della Signora. The next stop on the tour is Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and to roam the Piazza dei Miracoli. The cost per adult is 85 Euros.
The Best of Florence begins in the historic center with views of the Piazza da Santa Croce and the Ponte Vecchio. Visit the Uffizi Gallery with some of the world’s most famous art by renowned Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Lucca the Fortress City: Explore the wonderful city of Lucca that dates back to the Roman period of 180 BC. The guided tour includes a visit to the Old Quarter, San Michele de Foro, the Guinigi family tower, a Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of San Martino. The cost for this tour is 38 Euros.
The Coast of Cinque Terre & Portvenere: For 77 Euros per person, a bus will take visitors to Manarola, which is the oldest of the Cinque Terre villages. Take a tour of the area and then a boat ride to Vernazza. From here, catch the ferry to Monterosso where lunch will be served with time to explore the town and shop. Another scenic boat ride will take passengers to Portovenere until returning back to the ship in Livorno.
Italian Pasta Experience: The coach will take you to Lucca where a tour guide will give you an overview of the beautifully walled city. See the narrow streets while visiting the churches of San Frediano and San Michele. There will be plenty of time to wander before visiting Pisa. Learn how to make pasta and of course, there will be plenty to sample. The cost for this tour is 188 Euros per person.
Florence and Wine Tasting in a Tuscan Castle: Take a 90 minute bus tour through Renaissance Florence before arriving at the Piazza della Santa Croce. Here there will be an opportunity to see street performers and shop among the traditional craft shops in the village. After a 45 minute ride, arrive in Greve at one of the main castles where a traditional Tuscan lunch will be served, and of course plenty of wine.

Our next stop on the itinerary was Villafranche, France. I remember the beautiful, subdued hues of this cozy port town and wished I had the additional time to visit the relaxing cafes along the harbor.

I opted to book the Monaco and Monte Carlo bus trip which was panoramic, pristine and posh. To learn more about my visit to Monaco, check out the following post!

The Beautiful French Riviera: Villafranche and Monte Carlo

Some of the other excursions available were:

Nice – Eze: Take a coach tour to Nice and walk the famous “Promenade des Anglais”. Check out the Hotel Negresco before taking a guided tour through the old part of the city. The medieval village of Eze is one of the most picturesque villages of the Cote d’Azure located high on a hilltop with amazing views of the coast. Stop by one of the famous perfumery’s which is known for its amazing scents. The tour is 45 Euros per person.
Nice and Saint Paul de Vence: In addition to visiting the famous beachfront of Nice, this tour also includes a walk through the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence. Considered two of the most picturesque locations in the French Riviera, go from walking the beach to exploring cobblestone streets with a rich history. The cost for this tour is 39 Euros per person
Mountain Village of Eze and Nice Wine Tasting: For only 69 Euros per person, take a visit to the medieval mountain village of Eze and then on to Nice, famous for its Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy Provencal wines with a professional oenologist.
Dream Villas in the Blue Coast: Explore the luxurious peninsula at Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and visit the one time residence of baroness Rothschild to wander the home and gardens. The bus tour takes the coastal drive back to Villafranche where million dollar homes line the coast. This tour costs 50 Euros per person.
A Tasting Tour of Nice: Visit the local fresh market and sample its produce on this guided tour of Nice. Visit the Old Town district with its Baroque buildings and neo-classic colonnades. Try some of the local specialties such as pissaladiere or socca. The tour allows for some free time to wander about the Old Town for some shopping or a cup of coffee. This tour costs 90 Euros per adult.

I had been waiting for the day when our ship reached Barcelona. I was so excited to see all of the architecture and to stroll the street of Las Ramblas.

I had decided that instead of booking an excursion with the ship, I would go out on my own and purchase the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and there was a torrential downpour. I was determined to make the most of my time in Barcelona where was able to visit the Boqueria market, the Sagrada Familia, Palau Guell and Parc Guell. I wished I had more time in Barcelona because there were so many interesting points of interest, that I will need to make plans for a future trip!

The ship offers its own wonderful share of excursions for Barcelona to include:

A Tour of Barcelona: See the architectural wonders of Antonio Gaudi by visiting the ever changing Sagrada Familia. This tour is perfect for the price at 29 Euros. Check out the popular Gothic Quarter, shop and visit the cathedral. The tour includes a stop at Montjuic, which overlooks the city and was once the sight of the Olympic Games.
Barcelona Highlights and Jamon Tasting: Starting in the Gothic Quarter, see the medieval side of Barcelona’s historical buildings. Stroll Las Ramblas, the main thoroughfare that runs north and south through the city. Enjoy a ham tasting sampling three different types as you sip on a glass of cava. Complete the tour with a visit the to ever so vibrant Boqueria market. All of this for only 39 Euros per person.

Day Four was spent at sea as we sailed toward Tunisia. The following day, we arrived at the port of Tunis. Weeks before cruising to Tunisia, the US embassy was attacked and it was recommended that Americans should not disembark while in port. We took heed to their warning and stayed aboard, but if I had the opportunity, I would have loved to have seen the city of Carthage and the village of Sidi Bou Said, which is said to look much like a Greek village with its whitewashed buildings accented in blue.

According to the brochure on the ship, “Sidi Bou Said is perched high atop of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this picturesque village is a delightful place for a leisurely stroll through winding cobbled streets. Wander around the boutiques for souvenirs or relax at a cliff-side Moorish café”. Sounds exciting!

UPDATE: The ship no longer travels to Tunisia due to the heightened safety alert to visit this country.

It was Day Five and we were visiting the Italian city of Naples. Besides having its own historical significance, there are some great locations close by that are truly worth exploring. I selected Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast but making my decision was not an easy one when tours to Capri and Ischia were also offered.

Panoramic Tour of Pompeii and Naples: Check out one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in all of the world, Pompeii. Back in Naples, visit the Posillipo neighborhood, the Mergellina district and the great seaside promenade. Take the opportunity to visit the Ovo castle in the charming district of Santa Lucia and explore the busy fisherman’s neighborhood. The tour costs 49 Euros per adult.
Pompei & Vesuvius: Pompeii was devastated by the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 49AD. Pompeii is now an archaeological site and Vesuvius a national park. Take an hour long city bus tour of Naples before reaching these sites. The tour costs 89 Euros per person.
Capri: Catch a Jet-Foil boat ride from the port of Marina Grande through the Bay of Naples. Hop on a ship that will take you around the island before heading back to port. Catch the minibus to Capri’s Piazetta where there will be plenty of time to stroll the city’s famous white streets. This tour is well worth the 89 Euros per adult. (If the weather does not cooperate, the excursion will head over to the town of Anacapri).
Tour of Naples: Stroll the Piazza del Plebiscito where you will discover Castles, Galleries and an Opera House. There will be time on your own before visiting the San Gennaro Duomo. Continue to the tour with stops at Mergellina, Via Caracciolo and the Ovo Castle. You can’t beat this price at 34 Euros per adult.
Relaxing Ischia: This is a perfect excursion for 85 Euros per adult. Reach the island quickly by hydrofoil for a visit to Ischia, the largest isle on the Gulf of Naples. Famous for its hot springs, the tour coach also takes you through the municipalities of Ischia, Barano, Serrara Fontana (for wine sampling) and Forio (for a local meal). Walk through the Castiglione Gardens at Lacco Ameno and or visit the town of Casamicciola. This tour include the spa facilities at the gardens which include 10 different pools, and two saunas, whirlpools and a platform that gives you the opportunity to swim in the sea surrounding the island.

I had one last day in Rome but since I was staying close to the airport, I decided to stay near the hotel. The ship offered quite a few options in Rome, including:

A Full Roman Excursion: Check out some of the most iconic spots in Rome which include, the Vatican City, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Stand in awe in front of Michelangelo’s Pieta and then it’s time for lunch. Hop on the bus for a sightseeing tour to see the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus and Mussolini’s balcony, The tour cost is only 85 Euros per adult.
Eternal Rome and Imperial: Start in the Vatican City to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the square. Take a walk to the Trevi Fountain and then after lunch, check out the Piazza Navona. Before completing the tour, drop by the Roman Forum and see the exterior of the Colosseum. All of this for only 64 Euros per person.
Etruscan Secrets. See the secret Etruscan tombs and the Tarquinia Museum for only 59 Euros per person. The tombs are located in Monterozziune and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture into the city to view the Roman church of San Francisco and the XIII century palace.
Tivoli and Hadrian’s Villa: Dating back to the second century, Villa Adriana was the home of Emperor Hadrian and is now a World Heritage Site. Some of the features of the house include a Greek theater, spas and baths, a maritime theater and the Golden Piazza, a residential complex. Next, visit Villa Este with gardens that are fit for a king. Check out the Alley of the Hundred Fountains. This is an exceptional tour and will set you back 115 Euros per adult.

The Pullmantur Sovereign was the perfect ship for my Mediterranean trip. Having worked on ships for over three years, I remember my cruise ship days as if it were yesterday. I was especially fond of the “Sail Away” events where I could watch passengers enjoy the start of their cruise setting sail for its first destination. It have to admit, I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity for a Bon Voyage drink!!

Have you cruised with Pullmantur? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for your interest in my trip with Pullmantur! Happy Travels!

The Port of Monaco, Venturing Off “The Rock” and Visiting a Perfume Factory

2 February 201631 August 2024

A set of stairs led down from “The Rock” where we had just explored Monaco’s Old Town and Monte Carlo Casino. Below the palace is the Monaco Harbor full of expensive yachts and to the right, the starting line for the Monaco Grand Prix. We had only a few moments before making our final stop in Eze so we descended down the stairs leading to the port.

Monaco is famous for its Royal Family, the Monte Carlo Casino and Formula One Racing. The Monaco Grand Prix has drawn race fans to the country since 1929. Known as one of the most prestigious car races in the world, this competition is one of three that make up the “Triple Crown of Motorsports” taking place over Memorial Day weekend. Although the route of the race changes each year, the starting point remains the same. At the base of the stairs descending from “The Rock”, we approached the race’s infamous hairpin curve.

The Circuit de Monaco is approximately 1,000 miles throughout the streets of Monte Carlo and Condamine which wraps around the harbor. The streets of the race are very narrow and the turns quite sharp. The most famous of the turns on the route is the Fairmont Hairpin turn, so named because it passes the Fairmont Hotel and is one of the most sought after locations to watch the race. Spectators pay thousands of dollars to cheer on their favorite driver from this vantage point.

Due to the design of the street circuit, this race is considered one of the “most demanding tracks in Formula One,” With its dangerous curves and narrow course, it is one of the most prestigious races throughout the world. In addition to its challenging track, there is a tunnel that continues below the Fairmont Hotel following the Fairmont Hairpin Turn.

A short bus ride through the French Riviera brought us to our next stop, the coastal town of Eze. Known for its highly acclaimed perfume industry, we visited the world-renowned Fragonard factory. The medieval town of Eze sits atop a large mountainous rock and is famous for its panoramic views as well as its beauty and charm.

Fragonard has been producing a wide variety of fragrances since 1926. Our tour included a presentation of how the fragrances are made as we watched chemists make handmade soaps and lotions in a variety of scents for both men and women.

The factory also produces cosmetics and candles which are available for sale in the gift shop. In addition to purchasing a couple of candles, I found an amazing, fresh smelling scent that reminded me of a day at the beach.

I exited the gift shop into a charming courtyard, surrounded by fragrant roses used to produce the fragrances within the perfumery. I took a seat wanting to sit under the warmth of the sun and gaze out into the Mediterranean, mesmerized by the waterfront scenery below.

While enjoying the sunshine and fabulous scents at Fragonard, I could see the village of Eze up on the hill. This medieval town’s narrow cobblestone streets make it a wonderful change of scenery for drinking an afternoon coffee at the cafes and shopping its lovely boutiques. The Path of Nietzsche originates at the coast at Eze Sur Mer and ends at the town of Eze, offering spectacular views of the coast along the way.

The drive back to Villafranche was just as spectacular as the rest of the tour. I sat at the back of the bus with a wide open window where I could see the magnificent coastline of the French Riviera. The shades of blue darkened as the water met the coast. The towns and people seemed like miniature toys as we climbed up hills towering over the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean.

Although this coastal drive is magical and mesmerizing, it is also a scene of tragedy and sorrow. One of the most memorable tragedies was that of Princess Grace of Monaco. As she was returning back to the palace from her vacation home, she suffered a stroke and lost control of her car sustaining life threatening injuries. It was a sad day for Monaco as well as the world. She was 52 years old.

Within a few moments and we are passing through the popular, metropolitan port city of Nice. This panoramic coastal drive takes us through the cornices of Basse, Moyenne and Grande. Nice is most known for its scenic promenade, the Promenade des Anglais that offers a spectacular view of the waterfront.

Additional dramatic overlooks include Cliff Walk and the Fort at Mont Boron. Nice also has an Old Town, the Vieux Nice, where visitors can get lost in the maze of boutique shopping and local markets.

At last we have arrived back to port and I had wished we had more time in Villafranche. I was drawn to the town’s laid back atmosphere and how it had maintained its character without succumbing to the typical touristy nature of popular port towns. I learned that the beach here is preferred over some of the other French Riviera shores because it is quiet and more relaxing. I had experienced an amazing day in Monaco and Monte Carlo and look forward to coming back for a peaceful day in Villafranche.

Have you visited the port town of Villafranche? Did you take an excursion or explore this cozy port town? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my shore excursion to Monaco and Monte Carlo. Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Parfumerie Fragonard
158 Avenue de Verdun
06360 Eze France
Telephone: 33 4 93 41 05 05

Admission Fee: Free guided tours year around (book ahead by calling +04 93 36 44 66 or by email at tourisme@fragonard.com). Guests may experience additional wait times if reservations are not made ahead of time.
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 6PM
Amenities: Perfume shop, lovely courtyard with beautiful roses
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the French Riviera
Length of the Tour: Approximately 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Guided tours must be made in advance. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to reconsider this tour. Wait times may apply if advance reservations are not made.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Ambassador Monaco (affordable)
10 Avenue Prince Pierre, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 97 97 96 96

Fairmont Monte Carlo (luxury)
12 Avenue des Spelugues
98000 Monaco
Telephone: 377 93 50 65 00

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Le Pinocchio
30 Rue Comte Felix Gastaldi, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 93 30 96 20

I ordered the Salde de calamars grilles, fenoil, oranges et huile parfumee a la vanille for 18 Euros. It was the perfect lunch , although I would have also liked to have tried the Risotto “La Fee Bleue”, a risotto with Mascarpone and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, Liquour Cointreau 1849 and poire et pistache for 29 Euros.

What to Eat:

Barbajuan is the national food of Monaco. Similar to an empanada, these pastries are filled with ricotta cheese and Swiss chard. Some may also include added ingredients such as onion, rice, leeks, spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Bouillabaisse, a fish stew.
Fougasse, made popular by the Monegasque is a bread seasoned with sage, rosemary and/or thyme.
The Galapian is a cantaloupe-cherry-almond tart
Gnocchi is a potato based dough served with cream
Pissaladiere is a French pizza topped with olives, carmelized onions and anchovies.
Porcetta – stuffed pork roast
Socca are street food pancakes/crepes

What to Read:

Loser Takes All by Graham Greene
A Ghost in Monte Carlo by Barbara Cartland
I Kill by Giorgio Faletti
Headhunters, by Jules Bass
Anything Considered, by Peter Mayle
Grace, by Robert Lacey
Once Upon a Time, by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Photo Guide for Monaco:

Port Hercule for the super mega-yachts in the harbor
Tete de Chien is trail that takes you from the center of Cap d’Ail to the hills offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Rooftop Terrace of Musee Oceanographique
Digue de l’Avant Port where a pathway winds along the water’s edge
Jardin Exotique for its gardens and cliffside pics
The Observatory Cave is located inside of the Exotic Garden
The Monte Carlo Casino for its elegant exterior
Ride the Bateau Bus for gorgeous photos of the coast
Monaco Cathedral for its beautiful interior
Monaco-Ville, the charming old town of Monaco

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A view of the fort as seen from the tender

The port of Villafranche as seen from the ship